Formulating an Hypothesis (Hunch)

 A hypothesis is a tentative answer to your research question that has not yet been tested. 

How to formulate? The simplest way is to use this form: if...then…

1. “If I encourage my students to write for real reasons, then they will be motivated to write.”

2. “If I focus on extending their 'on-task' behaviour with strategies to manage themselves then they will improve their writing.”

3. “An emphasis on behavioural and cognitive engagement as well as teaching social skills will enhance my students’ ability to focus and increase their writing skills.”

I spoke with 2 school leaders to receive feedback about my hunches - 1 Deputy Principal and 1 Head of Department.

Generate a minimum of three hunches from what you have learnt so far about your students and their learning environment.	Further conversations with colleagues, school leaders.
If I give my students more confidence in their research reading, then they will be able to use the information they are reading about in their design work in a more useful way.	HOD - Allowing students to set at least a few of their learning goals may result in increased engagement. It is also the cause and effect relationship between increasing student confidence in researching and their ability to apply the information into their design work.  DP - Any and all strategics that we can employ to increase students’ confidence in research reading is to be commended.
If my students have more understanding in their research reading, then they will have the motivation to complete their work to a good standard.	HOD - Information transfer. The students' relationship with their understanding of the research material and their motivation to produce quality work can add value and may motivate the student to research further.  DP - Motivation is key with our students and  their increased confidence in research reading will contribute to this.
If my students have more confidence and motivation in their work, then will this encourage them to attend the lesson on a more regular basis?	HOD - If the opportunity for students to choose how they demonstrate their knowledge or a range of topics in which they can explore is allowed, this can provide opportunities for small success early. Feedback can also have an effect. (Constructive and encouraging)  DP -  Experience tells us that ‘Confidence and Motivation’ go hand in hand, which can only lead to positive results and increased attendance.